Pressure Washing

Overview

• Quickly deep‑clean exterior hard surfaces with a high‑pressure water jet.

• Skill level: 2 / 5 (confident DIYer)

• Typical duration: 1–3 hours hands‑on (25 m² patio as a guide)
  

Safety First

1. High‑pressure jet can cut skin — wear sturdy gloves and never aim at people or pets.

2. Flying grit may damage eyes — use wraparound safety goggles or a visor.

3. Risk of electric shock with mains machines — connect through an RCD and keep plugs dry.

4. Slippery surfaces after pre‑soak — non‑slip waterproof boots recommended.

5. Noise above 85 dB on petrol units — wear hearing protection.
   

Tools & Materials

Step‑by‑Step

1. Clear and protect the area

Why: Prevent loose objects or delicate plants being damaged.

2. Pre‑soak the surface

Why: Softens dirt and reduces detergent drying too quickly.

3. Apply detergent (if required)

Why: Detergent loosens embedded grime and kills algae spores.

4. Agitate stubborn marks with a brush

Why: Manual scrubbing avoids spending extra minutes blasting one spot.

5. Select the correct nozzle and test a corner

Why: Ensures pressure is safe for the material (e.g. wide 25° fan for softwood decking).

6. Wash systematically from high to low

Why: Dirt flows away from cleaned sections, preventing re‑contamination.

7. Rinse surrounding fixtures and tidy up

Why: Removes detergent residue and debris from windowsills, walls and drains.

Completion Checks

• Even, stripe‑free appearance with no missed patches.

• Run‑off water clear rather than cloudy.

• Joints or mortar intact and not gouged.

• No detergent film left on nearby glazing or plants.
  

When to call a pro instead

If you have sandstone over 100 years old, loose pointing, large oil stains that need hot‑water machinery, or no safe access to an outdoor tap or drainage, a specialist with low‑pressure steam or rotary surface cleaners will protect the substrate and comply with local wastewater regulations.